Read Online Play Dirty (Make the Play #4) by Amber Garza - Free Book Online Page A

something equally sweet and sugary.
    Stepping in front of Talia, I press open the glass door, the bell tinkling over our heads. Her head bounces up to me, surprise evident in her eyes. I shrug as if to say that even jerks can be gentlemen sometimes. Outside, a gentle breeze skates over our bodies. It lifts Talia’s hair, emitting that sweet scent into the air. I fight the urge to reach out and thread my fingers through hers. We hold hands often. More than I’ve ever held hands in a relationship before. I’m not usually the holding hand type. I like the making out and touching part just fine, but holding hands has never excited me. But it is necessary in our plan. Ashley and Hayes need to see us acting as a couple as much as possible. However, neither of them are here, so I keep my arms pinned to my side.
    A sigh of relief escapes Talia’s lips as she makes a beeline for her car in the parking lot. Irritation rises in me.
    “Sorry for the inconvenience this morning,” I say bitterly. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”
    She spins around, her eyebrows knit together. “Wait, did I hurt your feelings?” Her incredulous tone implies that she doesn’t even think that’s possible. Usually I’d be inclined to believe her, but for some reason my feelings are hurt. I’m not sure why, and there’s no way I’m going to sit around and analyze it.
    Instead, I spit out, “No. Of course not.”
    A flash of hesitation sparks in her eyes. “Cause I had already eaten breakfast when you called,” she hedges, speaking slowly while staring warily at me. “And I assumed the only reason you wanted me here was because Ashley and Hayes were also here.”
    “And now they’re gone, so you can go.” I sweep my arms out, my irritation going up a notch.
    Biting her lip, her gaze falls to her feet. “Okay.”
    She sounds so confused that it cuts to my heart. Stepping forward, I cup her elbow with my palm. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
    Nodding, she falls in step with me. “I think we made some progress though.”
    I think about her kiss and about how I thought it might mean more. Clearly she was just stepping up her game. “Yeah. If that kiss in there didn’t sway Hayes, then I don’t know what will.”
    Red blooms on her cheeks, and my lips curl up at the edges. It’s cute. Too cute. Shaking my head, I force the thoughts away. I have to get out of here. I’m losing focus.
    I slowly exhale when we reach her car, grateful that this morning is almost over.
    “Josh!”
    At the sound of my dad’s voice my body goes rigid. Talia cocks her head to the side, her eyebrows shooting up as she notices my response. Her gaze slides over my shoulder where I hear footsteps nearing us.
    Groaning, I turn around.
    Dad jogs in my direction. Behind him, I spot Olivia. She’s smart enough to duck into the restaurant without acknowledging me.
    “What do you want?” I cross my arms over my chest, wondering why he didn’t follow his fiancé into the diner. Why even bother talking to me? She’s the one he wants. She’s the one he chose. Talia moves closer to me, the side of her body touching mine in a protective way. Despite the fact that she’s not my real girlfriend, it causes my insides to warm, and I’m grateful for her presence.
    “I was hoping we could talk,” Dad says breathlessly when he reaches us. “Hi.” He sticks his hand out to Talia. “I’m Josh’s dad.”
    “Talia,” she answers sweetly, shaking his hand.
    I frown. “What do we need to talk about?”
    “The wedding,” Dad says. “I really want you there, son.”
    “I’m sorry that you wasted your time coming over here,” I say. “I’ve already made up my mind. I’m not going.”
    Dad’s shoulders sag. Even though I’m angry with him, it makes me feel a little guilty. Warm fingers thread through mine and squeeze gently. I toss her a slight smile. It’s not my large charming one. The one I flash daily. But it’s genuine. Maybe the most genuine smile I’ve